I have worked out most of my adult life, but stopped 3+ years ago when my husband died. My daughter opened a gym 8 weeks ago…I go 4x per week…today I dead lifted 95 pounds. I didn’t think I could do it but what a sense of accomplishment after I did! Movement is the best medicine!
That’s incredible—95 pounds after just 8 weeks is no joke! Huge respect for getting back into it after everything you’ve been through. You’re living proof that movement really is the best medicine. Keep crushing it! 💪
Growing old is a privilege, and a sacred process. That our culture reinforces the limiting beliefs that aging is an unfortunate decline instead of celebrating the wisdom of our elders is significant. Physical capacity is sustainable for many and the stories we tell ourselves impact our life.
This is hard when someone is experiencing a progressive disease with no standard course and lots of ups and downs, such as Parkinson’s. I am the care partner of my husband and it breaks my heart to see him go through this. I have to accept each moment as it is and try to power through it. Thanks for your thoughtful article.
I can’t imagine how heavy that must feel—watching someone you love go through something so unpredictable and difficult. It’s absolutely heartbreaking, and there’s nothing easy or fair about it. The strength it takes just to show up each day, to keep going, to love and care through all the ups and downs—that’s something most people will never fully understand.
You’re right—sometimes all you can do is accept the moment as it is and get through it however you can. This article wasn’t meant to downplay that kind of reality. It’s more about being gentle with ourselves when those quiet, limiting beliefs sneak in—so they don’t take more from us than they already have. You’re carrying so much, and your love and presence matter more than words can say.
Thanks for your kind words. I have to remind myself that doubt, self recrimination, etc. are all tools employed by the great deceiver to wear us down. When our mind tells us we aren’t good enough, we need to believe “yes we are” and that is today’s purpose. There is always room for improvement, but we have to believe it is possible.
So true. I finally started strength training again about 3 years ago at 76. Why? Because I wanted my final decade or 2 to be healthy so I could enjoy my 3 grandkids, now 18 and 15. At minimum I want to be around to see them graduate from college so got to make it to at least 86. But good family genetics tells me I could live into my 90s and I don't want to spend those years in a nursing home. So find an incentive to get strong!
So inspiring—your mindset is everything. That’s exactly the kind of story that’s got me thinking about putting together a book—real people, real stories, real reasons behind why they started prioritizing their health later in life. Stuff like this is powerful and way more relatable than generic advice. Would you be open to answering a few questions via email?
I have worked out most of my adult life, but stopped 3+ years ago when my husband died. My daughter opened a gym 8 weeks ago…I go 4x per week…today I dead lifted 95 pounds. I didn’t think I could do it but what a sense of accomplishment after I did! Movement is the best medicine!
That’s incredible—95 pounds after just 8 weeks is no joke! Huge respect for getting back into it after everything you’ve been through. You’re living proof that movement really is the best medicine. Keep crushing it! 💪
Thank you!
Growing old is a privilege, and a sacred process. That our culture reinforces the limiting beliefs that aging is an unfortunate decline instead of celebrating the wisdom of our elders is significant. Physical capacity is sustainable for many and the stories we tell ourselves impact our life.
Well done! What an accomplishment. I’m glad you’re enjoying your daughter’s gym!
This is hard when someone is experiencing a progressive disease with no standard course and lots of ups and downs, such as Parkinson’s. I am the care partner of my husband and it breaks my heart to see him go through this. I have to accept each moment as it is and try to power through it. Thanks for your thoughtful article.
I can’t imagine how heavy that must feel—watching someone you love go through something so unpredictable and difficult. It’s absolutely heartbreaking, and there’s nothing easy or fair about it. The strength it takes just to show up each day, to keep going, to love and care through all the ups and downs—that’s something most people will never fully understand.
You’re right—sometimes all you can do is accept the moment as it is and get through it however you can. This article wasn’t meant to downplay that kind of reality. It’s more about being gentle with ourselves when those quiet, limiting beliefs sneak in—so they don’t take more from us than they already have. You’re carrying so much, and your love and presence matter more than words can say.
Thanks for your kind words. I have to remind myself that doubt, self recrimination, etc. are all tools employed by the great deceiver to wear us down. When our mind tells us we aren’t good enough, we need to believe “yes we are” and that is today’s purpose. There is always room for improvement, but we have to believe it is possible.
So true. I finally started strength training again about 3 years ago at 76. Why? Because I wanted my final decade or 2 to be healthy so I could enjoy my 3 grandkids, now 18 and 15. At minimum I want to be around to see them graduate from college so got to make it to at least 86. But good family genetics tells me I could live into my 90s and I don't want to spend those years in a nursing home. So find an incentive to get strong!
So inspiring—your mindset is everything. That’s exactly the kind of story that’s got me thinking about putting together a book—real people, real stories, real reasons behind why they started prioritizing their health later in life. Stuff like this is powerful and way more relatable than generic advice. Would you be open to answering a few questions via email?